FAQ

ACUPUNCTURE

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture uses the meridians or energy “Qi” that flow throughout the body to connect to specific organs and brain regions that alter the homeostatic functions of the body. When we are unwell these meridians become blocked, and needles are placed on specific points to redirect or unblock these energy pathways to begin the healing process. Acupuncture also helps re-balance any deficiencies in our body. For example, pain and stiffness in the shoulder may be seen as a localized blockage while frequent urination may indicate a deficiency in the kidney and bladder energies. The beauty of Acupuncture is that it works with the synergy of the body and assists the relationships within the system to bring the whole body into improved health.

What types of acupuncture do you offer at the clinic?

At Sustain Health, we offer Traditional Chinese acupuncture. Every practitioner will have their own preferences on points and needle technique however it is all based on Chinese medicine theory and diagnosis.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Acupuncture is meant to be as painless as possible. Patients note either a dull sensation or slight pinch when the superfine needles used in acupuncture are inserted into points on the body. Once the needle is past the pain receptors under the skin, no pain should be felt.

Will I need to disrobe for acupuncture?

Most Acupuncture treatments are able to be administered almost fully clothed (usually just shoes and socks off), but depending on the acupuncture appropriate for the condition a level of disrobing may be necessary. This may only be the removal of a jumper or perhaps another article of clothing. Be assured that our practitioners will take all of the appropriate steps to maintain your modesty and may employ the use of towels when necessary. Note: Acupuncture should not involve the removal of underwear or exposure of any personal areas of the body.

What should I wear to my acupuncture session?

We recommend you wear loose and comfortable clothing for your acupuncture session. If your practitioner needs to access a point on your leg, for example, it is easier if you have pants that can be loosely rolled up. Comfortable clothing is also easier to relax in during a treatment and when you are relaxed you will receive the full benefits of the acupuncture.

How often should I come in for acupuncture?

Frequency of visits depends on the nature of the condition and the response of the patient being treated. Typically we would suggest two to three times a week for the first few weeks to stabilise the condition and then once a week for the duration of the treatment plan. Once the treatment plan has been completed your practitioner may suggest you continue with monthly maintenance sessions.

How many sessions do I need?

A usual course of treatment is twelve sessions. However, an individual may require more than one course depending on the severity and duration of the problem, how frequently the patient comes in, how diligent they are with taking their herbs and following diet and lifestyle advice.

After acupuncture, are there any unpleasant side effects?

Patients may feel a bit tired or light headed for a few moments to a few hours after a treatment as the body rebalances. This usually only happens for the first couple of treatments as your body becomes familiar with the treatment. Occasionally there may also be some residual bruising or aching of some points. Apart from this acupuncture is a technique that generally has an immediate therapeutic effect on the condition of the patient soon after treatment. It may involve an emotional release, a surge of energy or overall sense of well-being.

Why would I feel light headed after an acupuncture session?

Acupuncture works on the principle of moving energy and blood throughout the body. If you feel a little lightheaded, it means that something has been moved and the healing process has begun. You may also feel lightheaded if you have not eaten before having a treatment. A treatment is similar to expending a lot of energy throughout the day without nourishing the body adequately.

Can I expect immediate benefits from acupuncture? How long does it take to work?

How immediately you notice a difference depends on what you are being treated for. Those being treated for pain will notice a decrease in pain almost instantly, although those being treated for an internal disharmony, may not notice a change until after a few treatments.

Could I speak to the practitioner about how acupuncture can help my condition and where the needles will be placed?

Your practitioner will always discuss your condition and suggested treatment plan with you before beginning a treatment. They will generally give you a description of where the needles are going to be inserted and the kind of effects they will produce. This type of discussion is always welcome and can often improve the relationship that you may have with treatment and how you can augment its actions.

Which practitioner is most experienced if I cannot see Scott Ling?

All practitioners at Sustain Health are professionally qualified and highly experienced in acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, and can help you with your health concerns. If you are after a more specialised treatment, each of the practitioners also specialise in particular fields. Find out about our practitoners expertise in their profile.

What treatment should I choose, acupuncture or Chinese medicine?

Chinese medicine (herbs) and acupuncture work extremely well when used on their own, but for optimum results, using the two modalities works best. Herbs will support the acupuncture treatment by strengthening you from within. Together they will also speed up your treatment.

Can acupuncture help with muscular pain?

Acupuncture has been shown to effectively assist with reduction of pain within the muscles and tendons of the body. The frequency and duration of sessions will vary depending on the cause and severity of the pain, but relief from pain and the initiation of healing should generally be apparent during the early stages of treatment.

Can I use traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with chemotherapy?

Chinese Medicine has been shown to effectively assist treatment in many types of cancer. This kind of assistance is often more of a supporting role with the emphasis on supporting the body during treatment and reducing any side effects of the cancer therapy itself. Your practitioner will also take into consideration the type of chemotherapy medication you are on when prescribing herbs.

Is TCM safe during pregnancy?

It is extremely safe to receive acupuncture treatments whilst you are pregnant. The practitioners at Sustain Health are trained in dealing with the specificities required by pregnant women.

Can acupuncture induce labour?

Acupuncture is a safe and effective way to help induce a pregnancy. Acupuncture also helps in the delivery room as it helps ripen the cervix and prepares the muscles of the uterus, easing the pain of contractions. Acupuncture can also reduce the time you are in the delivery room.

Can you have acupuncture during menstruation?

Yes, it is perfectly fine to have an acupuncture treatment whilst menstruating although you may be a little more sensitive to the needles. For woman with menstrual issues such as endometriosis or very painful periods, we would encourage them to come in a few days before or during the period to encourage the smooth flow of blood.

Can I have acupuncture after surgery?

Depending on the type of surgery, yes you can. In some overseas countries, they have acupuncturists in the hospitals treating patients post – surgery.

Can I eat before a treatment?

We would encourage you to have something to eat beforehand providing it’s not a large meal which could in itself cause you some discomfort. Something small to stave off hunger pangs would be advisable.

Can I claim medicaments or alternative health treatments such as acupuncture on Medicare?

Our public health system does not currently rebate alternative health treatments. However, most private health insurers do. You best check with you private health insurance company and see which treatments they cover and how much.

Can children have TCM treatment?

Absolutely. Chinese medicine is very effective for paediatric care for children of all ages. Herbal dosages are varied accordingly and acupuncture treatments are reduced by the number of insertions and retention time to suit the age and condition of the child.

Can TCM help me lose weight?

Traditional Chinese medicine should not be seen as a miracle weight loss solution, but treatment can help to raise the function of the body, clear blockages and address the underlying causes of weight gain. When addressing this issue your practitioner will probably ask you to engage in treatment by ensuring your diet and lifestyle are in harmony with your goals.

Chinese Medicine

How long do I have to take the herbs to see effects?

Chinese herbal formulas are prescribed to enhance acupuncture treatments and work internally, to rebalance the body’s energy. After a few days of taking the herbs, you should start to notice a change or something happening. For some chronic conditions it can be about 2 weeks before the effects are noticed by the individual.

Are all the herbs safe?

Yes the herbs are safe. Your Chinese Medicine practitioner will continually monitor the prescription contents and dosage to ensure only therapeutically beneficial outcomes. They may also ask you to monitor your condition and discontinue use once the desired effect is reached or if any complications arise (such as contracting a cold).

Can I drink alcohol when I’m taking herbs?

In general, drinking alcohol while taking herbs is ok. However, each individual case will vary so please ask your practitioner.

Is there anything I can do to make my herbs taste better?

Some formulas may be mixed with a sweetener such as honey, but ask your practitioner at the time of consultation.

Which practitioner is most experienced if I cannot see Scott Ling?

All practitioners at Sustain Health are professionally qualified and highly experienced in acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, and can help you with your health concerns. If you are after a more specialised treatment, each of the practitioners also specialise in particular fields. You can find out more about their expertise in their profile.

What treatment should I choose, acupuncture or Chinese medicine?

Chinese medicine (herbs) and acupuncture work extremely well when used on their own, but for optimum results, using the two modalities works best. Herbs will support the acupuncture treatment by strengthening you from within. Together they will also speed up your treatment.

Can I use Chinese medicine with chemotherapy?

Chinese Medicine has been shown to effectively assist treatment in many types of cancer. This kind of assistance is often more of a supporting role with the emphasis on supporting the body during treatment and reducing any side effects of the cancer therapy itself. Your practitioner will also take into consideration the type of chemotherapy medication you are on when prescribing herbs.

Are Chinese herbs safe if I am taking pharmaceutical medications?

Depending on the medications you are on, consult with you practitioner on the particular medication to see if it is compatible with Chinese herbs.

Do I continue taking herbs if I have a cold?

It is best that when you feel a cold coming on you stop taking the herbs you have been prescribed and consult your TCM practitioner so they can reassess your treatment to include helping you for your cold.

When can I take my medicaments and how do I take them?

Follow the prescribed dosage as stated on the container. It will instruct you on how many scoops to have and how many times a day. Try mixing the herbs in hot boiling water which you may sweeten with honey, sugar or a natural sweetener such as Stevia (now available on the supermarket shelf). If possible, trying taking the herbs either half an hour before, or half an hour after a meal.

Can children have TCM treatment?

Absolutely. Chinese medicine is very effective for paediatric care for children of all ages. Herbal dosages are varied accordingly and acupuncture treatments are reduced by the number of insertions and retention time to suit the age and condition of the child.

Can TCM help me lose weight?

Chinese medicine should not be seen as a miracle weight loss solution, but treatment can help to raise the function of the body, clear blockages and address the underlying causes of weight gain. When addressing this issue your practitioner will probably ask you to engage in treatment by ensuring your diet and lifestyle are in harmony with your goals.

Can I claim medicaments or alternative health treatments such as acupuncture on Medicare?

Our public health system does not currently rebate alternative health treatments.

Are medicaments covered by private health insurance?

Yes, some private health providers do cover medicaments. Check with your insurer to see if you are covered. We also have a list below from hicaps of providers that cover medicaments. >AHM >GMHBA Limited >Lysaght Peoplecare >CBHS Health Fund Limited >St Luke’s >Navy Health >ACA Health Fund

Chiropractic

Do I need to have an x-ray done before a chiropractic treatment?

During your initial consultation, your practitioner will conduct a thorough examination and will review your medical history to determine if an x-ray is necessary. Generally if an x-ray is required it will be for the following four reasons: To rule out anything sinister in the bones (i.e. tumours, fractures etc) Congenital anomalies that may affect the outcome of the treatment Degeneration (i.e. Osteoporosis, Arthritis etc) Alignment (abnormal/normal curvatures of the spine). If you are pregnant an x-ray will not be required.

Can children have chiropractic treatment? Am I too old to see a chiropractor?

Chiropractic does not discriminate against any age group. If you have a spine, Chiropractic is recommended for you. As you would service the engine in your car, why wouldn’t you service the engine fueling your own body? Chiropractic restores the connection between the brain and body, which may be impaired by the three main stressors in your life, which are: emotional, chemical, and physical stressors. The most traumatic time in a person’s life is at birth. Therefore, in order to allow optimal recovery, positive neural development, and healthy growth of a child, it is crucial for the nervous system to be functioning at its optimal potential. As a person ages, chiropractic encourages proper balance, coordination, range of motion, and overall integration processes to keep the body at optimal function.

Physiotherapy

Do I have to bring in my scans or reports to a physiotherapy session?

During your initial consultation, your practitioner will conduct a thorough examination and will review your medical history. All relevant scans and reports would assist (although not always necessary) your practitioner with their assessment. If any other scans are required, your physiotherapist with discuss with you during your consultation.